Quite a one-two punch

Schaub's 4,770 yards led the league and was the sixth-best output in NFL history.

“It's something special,” Schaub said. “You don't get many opportunities to do that, and I feel privileged to be in an offense that allows us to do those type of things and have the guys on the offensive side that can make those plays.

“There were a lot of plays made, but it wasn't me doing anything special. It was just me giving a guy a chance, and him making a play.”

A guy such as receiver Andre Johnson, who had 101 catches and, like his quarterback, led the league in yards (1,569).

“It's special to have both of us do that because he's the best receiver in the game, and I'm fortunate to be able to throw the ball to him,” Schaub said. “We've got plenty of great talent here, and I'm just happy to be the guy that's able to throw it to them.”

Schaub and Johnson were the most prolific twosome in the league.

“That just goes to show what happens if we're both healthy and on the field for a full season,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, we can both stay healthy, and this is something that can happen for a long time.”

Despite missing seven games because of a knee injury in 2007, Johnson has averaged 92 catches, 1,332 yards and 8.3 touchdowns per year in Schaub's three seasons as the starter.

“I've been kind of playing with a bunch of quarterbacks since I've been here, so to finally have a steady one is a great feeling,” Johnson said. “The way we play together, when we're on the field, we know what each other's thinking.”

Bidding a fond farewell

Owner Bob McNair said after Sunday's 34-27 victory over New England that the Texans would exercise the $10 million option in Schaub's contract in March. That means they're guaranteed of having him another three seasons.

“It means a lot when your owner steps up and talks about you in that light,” Schaub said. “You know he's behind you and behind the head coach. We're all in this together, and we're going to keep climbing that mountain.”

“It's a great opportunity for him,” Schaub said. “He's been a big part of what we've been able to do, but whenever you're doing good things in this league, things are going to change. He's going to be a heck of a coach for a number of years.”